Spinal lipoma misinterpreted as a meningomyelocele on antenatal MRI scan in a baby girl

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Abstract

Introduction. Antenatal screening for spina bifida with ultrasound and MR imaging is increasingly used.

Case report. A baby girl's antenatal MRI examination showed features originally interpreted as a lumbar meningomyelocele. Repeat MRI examination soon after birth showed features of a spinal lipoma (lipomeningomyelocele). This was excised surgically and complete spinal cord untethering was achieved.

Conclusion. As antenatal MR scanning is increasingly used, and fetal surgery is becoming more prominent, the correct interpretation of such images is crucial. We present a rare case of a misleading antenatal radiological diagnosis of spina bifida, which would have had severe implications if termination of the pregnancy or intra-uterine surgical repair had been considered.